That’s right. A survey among children in the UK puts a dad as #10 on the list of top Christmas presents. That is heartbreaking, simply heartbreaking.

Where are we as a culture that kids are asking for a dad for Christmas?

I realize that there are plenty of women out there raising children alone by no fault of their own. They may be widowed and heaven knows there are plenty of dead beat dads out there, but how many of these moms made a “lifestyle choice” to raise children on their own? I guess there is no sure way to know, but we do know there are some.

I do understand the desire to want to have children and not being able to find that suitable spouse. I get that. But, when you do make that choice to have kids without the traditional family, you need to know that your children are paying a price for that choice.

We are supposed to be all about “tolerance” of others, their choices, and not make judgements. That is the politically correct thing to do. Ok, but it is the correct thing for the child?

Children want to feel secure and feel loved. Having a more traditional family life gives them that. While it is very true that having a mom and dad in the house certainly doesn’t guarantee a happy childhood. Many people who have children, shouldn’t. An unhappy marriage isn’t exactly the best thing for children to witness either.

But the thing is, if these kids are asking for a “dad” they most likely have no real male role model in their lives. It isn’t that mom and dad have decided to go their separate ways as far as the marriage is concerned, but still make being good parents a priority. I know many divorced women who have managed to find that balance. The children come first, so they put their differences aside and be what they are supposed to be, good parents. That can be done. I also know many good single mothers.

There was once a time when being a dead beat dad was like a scarlet letter. There was societal pressure to be part of your child’s life and participate in their upbringing. What happened to those days?

Yes, I am for going to back to making people feel shame about bringing a child into the world that they don’t care for after their 15 minutes of pleasure is over.

When we have kids asking Santa for a dad for Christmas, it is time we start looking at our priorities as a society again.

I really really like him, but I’d love to see him get some more experience under his belt. Maybe as governor first? He, at least, has executive experience, unlike BO, but do you think he’s ready? Ugh, I’m so torn on this one. He’s brilliant and level-headed and conservative and well-spoken and a patriot . . . YES! Paul Ryan for 2012!

Paul Ryan won the the straw poll at the Philadelphia tea party protest in April. I would say that unlike BO, Ryan has years in Congress making an impact on legislation. I also think Obama truly fears facing him. Ryan is much more knowledgeable and unlike Obama he is not arrogant about it.